Frequently Asked Questions

Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that cleans waste products from the blood and removes extra fluids when a person’s kidneys fail. Dialysis patients typically require treatment on an ongoing basis unless they receive a kidney transplant.

How often is treatment needed?
Typically, in-center hemodialysis is conducted during the day, three times a week for three to five hours per session.

According to the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiatives (NKF KDOQI), there are five stages of CKD. Stage 1 is the mildest form, with the least loss of kidney function. Stage 5 is at or near kidney failure, or endstage renal disease (ESRD). Those reaching this stage need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. (See chart)

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two main causes of CKD. Other causes include glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys’ blood-filtering nephron tubes; inherited diseases such as polycystic kidney disease and some birth defects,lupus, malformed kidneys, immune diseases, kidney stones and repeated urinary tract infections.

All these conditions damage the kidneys’ nephrons so they cannot do their job as filters. This leads to a buildup of wastes and extra fluid in the blood, which makes people sick. The kidneys also lose their ability to produce hormones that assist in making red blood cells, controlling blood pressure and maintaining healthy bones.

Blockages in your kidneys or ureters – these can be treated by family doctors

Overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers containing aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. Patients should talk to their doctors if they take pain relievers every day, or even a few times per week

Taking street drugs

Taking prescription drugs that patients are allergic to. Patients are advised to know about their drug allergies and promptly tell their doctors about any symptoms they have after starting a new drug.